Stone Town and Prison Island Day Trip

Overview

This day trip pairs two of Zanzibar's signature experiences: a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed alleys of Stone Town, and a short boat crossing to Prison Island, home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises and a reef well suited to snorkeling. It is one of the most popular single-day excursions for travellers based anywhere on the island.

Want to add the spice farms too? See our Spice Farm and Cultural Tour. Looking for a longer stay that covers Stone Town, the spice tour and the beach? See our existing 2-Day Zanzibar Package.

Tour Highlights

A guided walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed alleys of Stone Town
The House of Wonders, the Old Arab Fort and the former slave market site
A boat crossing to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island
Giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old, in a protected sanctuary
Snorkeling over the coral reef just offshore from the island

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Group price (per person)

The price of this tour is on Request

For a more accurate estimate, contact us with your specific requirements and budget. We'll send a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.

See what's included in this price

Places you'll visit

Stone Town

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Stone Town Walking Tour and Prison Island

Your guide meets you at your hotel for a morning walking tour through Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, taking in the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib, built in 1883), the Old Arab Fort, the former slave market site and Anglican church, and the narrow coral-stone alleys lined with carved wooden doors. After lunch, a short boat ride crosses to Prison Island, where a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old, roam a protected sanctuary. The clear water just offshore is well suited to snorkeling before the boat returns you to the mainland and your hotel.

Distance: Half-day Stone Town walking tour, then a 30-minute boat crossing to Prison Island

Activity: Stone Town historic walking tour, tortoise sanctuary visit, snorkeling

Accommodation: N/A, day trip

Meals: Lunch

Extend your trip

Want to add the spice farms as well? See our Spice Farm and Cultural Tour.

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere on the island
English-speaking guide
Bottled drinking water
All government taxes and VAT
Stone Town walking tour entrance fees
Prison Island boat transfer and entrance fee
Lunch

Not included

International flights and Zanzibar entry requirements
Travel and medical evacuation insurance
Tips for your guide and boat crew
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional drinks
Snorkeling gear rental at Prison Island

Frequently asked questions

Why is Stone Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Stone Town's coral-stone architecture and street layout reflect over a thousand years of trade between Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Persia and India, a blend of influences that UNESCO recognised as having outstanding universal value when it was inscribed in 2000.

What is Prison Island, and was it actually used as a prison?

Prison Island, also called Changuu Island, takes its name from a prison building constructed there in the 1890s that was never actually used to hold prisoners. It served instead as a quarantine station for cases of yellow fever and other infectious diseases, and today is best known for its tortoise sanctuary.

How old are the tortoises on Prison Island?

Several of the giant Aldabra tortoises on the island are documented to be over 100 years old, originally brought to Zanzibar as a gift from the governor of Seychelles in the 19th century.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Basic mask, snorkel and fin rental is usually available at Prison Island for a small additional fee. Let us know in advance if you would like snorkeling gear included in your booking.

What does the price include?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, the Stone Town walking tour, the Prison Island boat crossing and entrance fee, and lunch.

Can this be combined with other Zanzibar activities?

Yes. This is commonly combined with our Spice Farm and Cultural Tour for travellers who want to cover both of Zanzibar's classic cultural excursions, or extended into a multi-day Zanzibar holiday package. Let us know what you'd like to combine it with.